Chris Brown has found himself embroiled in yet another row, this time with his neighbours.

The controversial R&B star has painted an outside wall of his Beverly Hills mansion with a garish, street art-style mural depicting colourful monsters with sharp teeth. And neighbours are complaining that it is lowering the tone and scaring local children.

Patti Negri, president of the Hollywood Dell Civic Association, told the LA Times: “There are lots of babies, lots of children, and they’re literally frightened. It’s like devils on the wall – big scary eyes and big scary teeth, and just the whole vibe is not what we’re used to.”

LA City Code officials have already responded to complaints, ordering Brown to remove the paintings and fining him $376 (£244) for “unpermitted and excessive signage”. The figure could rise if he does not comply within 30 days. “I know a $300 fine is probably pocket change,” Ms Negri added. “But hopefully and maybe, he’ll just see the light and decide to be a good neighbour. We’re happy to have him – if he just tones it down.”

But it looks unlikely that her wishes will be heeded. Brown’s lawyer Mark Geragos has already hit back at the actions of what he calls “busybodies”, saying the neighbours are waging a campaign of continual harassment against the singer. He said: “I’m scared of neighbourhood busybodies like this. They’ve called animal control. They have sicced parking [enforcement] on him, and now they reached the heights of ridiculousness here. Shame on them.”

This is not the first time Brown’s taste in artwork has landed him in hot water. Last year he was widely criticised for a tattoo that some took to resemble a battered woman. The singer insisted that the image was inspired by the Mexican day of thedead festival.